Multi-Agency Resource Center to Open in DuPage County for Residents Impacted by Weekend Tornadoes

SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker today announced the State of Illinois is partnering with Community Organizations Active in Disaster of Northeast Illinois and the American Red Cross to host a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in DuPage County this weekend to help residents recover from Sunday's tornadoes.  The MARC is an all-encompassing hub for residents to access disaster related relief services and information.  The MARC brings together representatives from local and state agencies as well as essential support organizations.

"With this one-stop relief shop in DuPage - along with its online counterpart for those who can't travel - my administration is bringing all available state resources right to the people who need them most," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Most importantly, by partnering with community relief organizations to consolidate access to all available support services, we're ensuring the road to recovery is as smooth and streamlined as possible."

"Nearly half of all residents impacted by a disaster will rely on their neighbors or community in the hours and days following the disaster," said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "A MARC can help expedite the recovery process by bringing together multiple service providers in a single location to provide on-site assistance. We are grateful for the strong community partners in the area who share our dedication to helping these communities build back more resilient."

"As the debris is cleared away and we size up the damage, it's essential we provide every possible resource to our communities affected by the storm," said DuPage County Chairman Dan Cronin.  "We will continue to coordinate recovery efforts with state and local partners to help our residents get their homes and lives back to normal."

"The Red Cross mission is to alleviate suffering in the face of emergencies. We are proud to join with local community partners and our state in the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) helping those who were impacted by Sunday's tornado," said Celena Roldán, CEO of the Illinois Red Cross.  "This weekend's MARC will provide a one-stop-shop of partners and resources available to help with disaster recovery."

The National Weather Service has determined that on Sunday, June 20, multiple tornadoes struck DuPage County, including an EF-3 storm. The severe weather damaged more than 230 homes and caused at least 11 injuries and one fatality.  Several families have been displaced by the storm, and businesses adversely impacted.  Official damage assessments are underway to determine the eligibility of potential federal resources.

Residents affected by the recent tornadoes can visit the MARC at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School located at 7200 Janes Avenue in Woodridge.  The facility will be open on Saturday, June 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

State and local agencies offering assistance through the DuPage County MARC include:

American Red Cross
Catholic Charities
DuPage Family Community Resource Center
DuPage County Community Services
DuPage Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
DuPage Senior Citizens Council
DuPage Disaster Services
Hope Therapy Dogs
Illinois Attorney General's Office
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois Regional Office of Education
Islamic Center for North America
Lutheran Disaster Services
Muslims for Humanity
Purple Manatee
Rainbow Therapy Dogs
St. Vincent De Paul
Tears in Heaven
Tzu Chi Foundation
YMCA Metropolitan Chicago

COVID-19 Vaccine Available

In addition to providing information on the essential public health services available in the community, including tetanus vaccines and food safety, the DuPage County Health Department will also be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the MARC. No appointment is necessary to receive the vaccine. The clinic will offer both the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine.  The Pfizer vaccine is available to those 12 years old and older, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available to those 18 and older.

Online Services Also Available

Those who are unable to attend this two-day event, can visit the Ready Illinois website to find a list of resources available to those impacted by the disaster. If additional resources are needed, residents are encouraged to contact their local emergency management office or the American Red Cross for further assistance.